Her art prompts memories

Vera Miller, 93, recalls when she lived, worked in Southwest.

Vera Miller, 93, recalls when she lived, worked in Southwest.

February 10, 2006|SHARON DETTMER Tribune Correspondent

SOUTH BEND -- Memories fade. That's why Vera Miller, 93, surrounds herself with paintings and pictures to preserve those memories. Art that she created during her mid-life serves as a constant visual reminder of living in the Southwest. Those memories are refreshing. Her walls are covered with paintings, drawings, counted-cross-stitch creations and embroidery, reflecting days spent in Santa Fe, N.M., or in Red River, N.M. That's where she often fished, sketched, or hiked and viewed breathtaking scenery with family. Miller lived in Santa Fe from 1930 to 1978. She then resided in San Antonio after retiring as a beautician. In 2002 Miller moved to South Bend in order to spend time with her daughter, Ann Littleton. Littleton retired from teaching music for the School City of Mishawaka. She enjoys viewing her mother's art, and reminiscing. Miller lives at St. Paul's Retirement Community. Two of the artist's paintings are on display in Chapel Lane at St. Paul's, along with the works of other residents. Her artistic endeavor was born of a gift. "When I die and go to heaven," she always told her first husband, Glen Littleton, "I'll learn how to paint." Glen, now deceased, wanted his wife to cultivate artistic talents while living in this world. So, on her 59th birthday, he purchased art brushes and watercolors for her. And Glen also provided a private space for her to create. Paint, she did. Miller received formal art training in the 1960s at College of Santa Fe, a liberal arts school. Immersing herself in art, she learned techniques quickly, and even studied with a local artist. Watercolors, oil paintings, acrylics, Chinese, Native American and African-themed-art, and pen-and-ink drawings depicting her South Dakota childhood were created. Some are award-winning works of art. Miller was a multi-finalist and second-place winner of "Art is Ageless" contests while in San Antonio. The annual art contests are sponsored by Texas Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and Educational Institute on Aging. She has the heart of an artist. "I always think, 'Tomorrow, I might go outside and sketch,'" Miller said, with a faint smile. These days, physical challenges prohibit her from doing so. Still, her artistic powers of observation are very keen. "I've learned to be observant. I can look at a tree to really see the true texture of the bark," she explained. Observation is essential, in both art and in life, she added. "Whether you ever paint a picture or not, being observant is still a great skill to have."